You are what you consume.
But FortisBC wants to change that in Oliver by introducing a new “Energy Diet” to reduce consumption and costs.
Peter Robinson from FortisBC made this pitch to Oliver council recently.
He noted that home energy use in the Okanagan varies, with space heaters utilizing nearly 50 per cent, followed by appliances at 18 per cent and water heating at 15 per cent.
Robinson said the energy diet program started in Rossland, where there was 22 per cent participation. A total of 80 per cent of the people made energy improvements in their home, which resulted in $1.6 million spent in the community.
The program starts with homeowners signing up for a home energy assessment at a cost of $60 (the regular cost is $350). Homeowners then receive an evaluation report and some recommendations on retrofits to save energy.
A local “energy coach” will follow up with the homeowner to answer questions and offer assistance.
Once the retrofits are completed, another assessment is scheduled (for approximately $150) to verify that the work was done correctly.
The homeowner will receive rebates in the mail within six to eight weeks, and enjoy reduced energy bills thereafter.
Robinson said the program is aimed at single family homes, not multi-unit residential buildings. Mobile homes are also eligible.
He noted that people on low incomes will receive the energy assessment for free.
Robinson said homeowners can expect to see 15 to 50 per cent in energy savings (the average is 15 to 28 per cent).
The program launched this month, and FortisBC is scheduling an information session at the Oliver Elks lodge from 6-8 pm on September 25.
Robinson requested that council pass a resolution to support the program and help reduce the initial cost of home energy assessments. It is suggested that Oliver provide a $25 subsidy for up to 70 residences. FortisBC says home energy retrofits in 60 homes are estimated to result in approximately $200,000 in expenditures in the local economy (that’s $3,700 per house based on the Rossland program).
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said there are a lot of older homes in the community that have never seen energy improvements. On Monday, council passed a resolution to support the program, but it did not provide any additional funding.
Oliver Chronicle
